Research Writing Topic – Drafting

Drafting Your Introduction

In your formal outline, you have already planned an engaging hook and finalized your thesis statement. However, your introductory paragraph can be strengthened if you include two additional elements: some background information and a bridge. In this interactivity, click an image to learn more about these elements of an introduction. Click the player button to begin.

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Drafting the Body of Your Paper

Before you refer back to your formal outline in order to draft the body paragraphs of your research paper, take a moment to learn some tips about writing topic sentences, including evidence and citations, and developing warrants for your support. In this interactivity, click each of the tabs to explore elements of the body paragraphs of a research paper. Click the player button to begin.

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Drafting Your Conclusion

When you sit down to draft the concluding paragraph of your research paper, you should keep in mind the important elements of a conclusion. For example, you should restate your thesis in addition to offering your readers a key takeaway. Finally, leave a lasting impression on your readers by incorporating an effective clincher. In this interactivity, click the tabs to learn more about creating an effective conclusion for a research paper. Click the player button to begin.

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Transitions: Go With the Flow

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Transitions are devices used to connect paragraphs and create unity within the paper. One way to maintain the flow of your essay is to start the next paragraph with the repetition of a keyword, phrase, or idea from the preceding paragraph. This properly prepares readers to change from one topic to another. In this interactivity, click the titles to learn more about creating transitions between paragraphs in a research paper using one of two methods: borrowing keywords or borrowing ideas from the preceding paragraph. Click the player button to begin.

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Transitional Words and Phrases

To ensure coherence and flow in your paper, you should not only include transitions between paragraphs but also transitions between sentences. Transitional words and phrases help to make your ideas organized and clear to the reader. Take a moment to look at common transitional words and phrases that can link sentences and paragraphs. Each of the notes in this interactivity lists one of the ways in which information or ideas can be related. Click the player button to begin.

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Drafting Review

Now that you have explored key information about composing a first draft of your research paper, it is time to review your knowledge and practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read the questions and select the appropriate answers. Click the player button to get started.